Friday, 20 November 2015

Image result for The Reign of Christ
 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 22 November.    There are so many bazaars, bake sales, bottle drives, and farmer’s markets happening from now until the Christmas festivities begin – so much work, planning and effort go into these events.  If you get a chance to support any of these wonderful gatherings, please do.... the organisers (and recipients of the proceeds) will be hugely grateful and you will know that you have done something good and worthwhile by just turning up!
 
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WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
22 November, 2015
The Reign of Christ
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
 
       8:45 am        St. George’s, East River     -   Holy Communion
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Eucharist     
                                   
    Readings: 2 Samuel 23: 1-7; Psalm 132: 1-13; Revelations 1: 4b-8;
John 18: 33-37
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is still looking for empty 500ml  water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
 
*** *REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 23 November in Tuck Hall. All welcome.  *  ***
 
CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE - Available now at the Parish Centre!   Small - $9 Large - $18.  For pick-up and  information please call St. Stephen’s Parish Office at 902-275-3804.
 
MONTESSORI DEMENTIA TREATMENT METHOD - there will be an information session held in the Shoreham Village OT Room at 10:00-11:00 am on Wed, 25 November.  All welcome!
 
PRAYER BREAKFAST - At 9:00 am, 28 November  in Tuck Hall, St. Stephen’s Parish Centre.  All welcome!
 
MISSION TO SEAFARERS ANNUAL SHOEBOX CAMPAIGN - The Mission ensures that each and every seafarer (male and female) visiting the port of Halifax in December receives a shoebox gift.  Last year 1800 were delivered. These visitors are far from home, have limited or no funds and are often without the most basic of needs.  Shoebox items can include: hat, scarf, gloves or mitts, socks, wrapped hard candy (no chocolate), soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, shaving foam, razors, deodorant, lip balm, playing cards, memento of Nova Scotia or Canada.  A few empty boxes are available in the church vestibule if you do not have one.  The Dollar Store has boxes. Please do not wrap the boxes as they must all be checked prior to delivery.  Please bring filled boxes to the church before 1 December, when delivery begins.
 
ST. GEORGE’S LOBSTER SUPPER OR TURKEY SALAD PLATE & BOTTLE DRIVE - at 4:00 - 6:30 pm, Sunday, 13 Dec at the East River Union Hall.  Dine in, take out, deliveries (within 10km).  Supper tickets to be PRE-ORDERED by 12 Dec.  For tickets or information call: Sheila Hirtle at 902-275-5720, Vicky Young 902-275-4219, Eugene/Grace Cooke 902-857-3585 or at Double Take Hair Salon (6 Pig Loop Road), Chester 902-275-5966.
Recyclable Bottle Drive from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, please drop bottles off at the Union Hall.  There will also be a large bake table with lots of Christmas.  Come and enjoy some Christmas Spirit - your support for any of these activities will be greatly appreciated.
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Musical FrTuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 23 Nov, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
 
BIBLE TALK -  on Wed, 25 Nov, from 10:30 - 12:00 pm in the Tyler Grant Room.  All Welcome!
 
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 26 Nov, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
 
PRAYER BREAKFAST - on Sat, 28 Nov, at 9:00 am in Tuck Hall.  All welcome!
 
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WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY
29 November, 2015
The First Sunday of Advent
 
       8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Communion
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River  -   Holy Eucharist    
                    11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Advent Lessons & Carols
        4:30 pm       All Saints’, Canaan           -   Holy Communion
                                   
    Readings: Jeremiah 33: 14-16; Psalm 25: 1-10;  Thessalonians 3: 9-13;
Luke 21: 25-36
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
 
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 
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UPCOMING EVENTS

Chester and Area Ministerial
Grocery Delivery Project
The Ministerial group (ministers from all area churches) are asking for expressions of interest in a project that would provide home delivery of pre-ordered groceries to persons who for whom getting groceries is difficult (disabled, seniors, those without cars, and so on).
Here’s how it works:
Recipients make arrangements with local grocery stores (they have already agreed to the project) to order groceries once a week by phone or online.  The grocery store packs the groceries and has boxes ready for delivery on a specific day and time.
Then –
Volunteer Drivers pick up the boxes at the store at the specified time and drive with the groceries to the home of the recipient.  If payment has not been pre-arranged, the driver would be responsible for collecting the payment and returning to the store.
The stores do the paperwork and make sure customers are not ordering from more than one store. 
It is expected that there would be sufficient volunteers that the deliveries would hopefully be on a  monthly rotation.
Rev. Tory will ask for a show of hands of who might be interested in participating in this service to our community at the end of the service.

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SAINT NICHOLAS Comes to MESSY CHURCH  -
December 6, 4-6pm, at the East River Community Hall.
Messy Church is unlike any church you’ve ever known: 
active, fun, exploring by doing,
concluding with a meal

Special contest:  How many differences between
the picture of St. Nick and Santa Claus?  
(Pick a copy up from the 
Parish Office)
Write down all the differences you can spot and
bring them to Messy Church
to win a prize.

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Friday, 13 November 2015

 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 15 November 2015.  
The Fall season is truly upon us and we are all scurrying around like the squirrels getting ready for the onset of Winter.   Make the time to visit an old friend who might be shut in, or bring them to the Christmas Bazaar and Lunch coming up on Saturday, 21 November or the Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, 28 Nov.  It’s a feel good thing for everyone.
 
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WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
15 November, 2015
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
 
       8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River       -   Prayer & Praise
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist   
                                   
Readings: 1 Samuel 1: 4-20; Canticle 1 Samuel 2: 1-10;
Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25;
Mark 13: 1-8
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is still looking for empty 500ml  water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
 
SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER -  two sittings 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Sunday, 15 Nov in Tuck Hall.  Cost is $10 for spaghetti, Julien’s bread, coffee/tea/juice/milk and a homemade cupcake.  There will be fun ways to win prizes and money or have a  caricature of yourself drawn for $10 by 2 fabulous local artists.  Funds raised will go to provide costumes for dance  competitions  (En Pointe Studio).  Limited seats left but take out also available between 4:00-7:00 pm.  To book seats contact Sue Leblanc organicsue@gmail.com
 
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads, dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,   Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 23 November in Tuck Hall. All welcome.
 
CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE - Available now at the Parish Centre!   Small - $9 Large - $18.  For pick-up and  information
please call St. Stephen’s Parish Office at 902-275-3804.
 
MONTESSORI DEMENTIA TREATMENT METHOD - there will be an information session held in the Shoreham Village OT Room at
10:00-11:00 am on Wed, 25 November.  All welcome!
 
PRAYER BREAKFAST - At 9:00 am, Sat, 28 November  in Tuck Hall, St. Stephen’s Parish Centre.  All welcome!
 
MISSION TO SEAFARERS ANNUAL SHOEBOX CAMPAIGN - The Mission ensures that each and every seafarer (male and female) visiting the port of Halifax in December receives a shoebox gift.  Last year 1800 were delivered. These visitors are far from home, have limited or no funds and are often without the most basic of needs.  Shoebox items can include: hat, scarf, gloves or mitts, socks, wrapped hard candy (no chocolate), soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, shaving foam, razors, deodorant, lip balm, playing cards, memento of Nova Scotia or Canada.  A few empty boxes are available in the church vestibule if you do not have one.  The Dollar Store has boxes. Please do not wrap the boxes as they must all be checked prior to delivery.  Please bring filled boxes to the church before 1 December, when delivery begins.
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
PARISH COUNCIL: on Mon, 16 Nov, 7:00pm in the Tyler Grant Room.
MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 16 Nov, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
BIBLE TALK -  on Wed, 18 Nov, from 10:30 - 12:00 pm in the Tyler Grant Room.  All Welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 19 Nov, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
   
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WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY
22 November, 2015
The Reign of Christ
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
 
       8:45 am        St. George’s, East River     -   Holy Communion
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist    
                                   
   Readings: 2 Samuel 23: 1-7; Psalm 132: 1-13; 
Revelations 1: 4b-8; John 18: 33-37
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
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Friday, 6 November 2015

Image result for remembrance sunday
 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 8 November, 2015. 
Let’s all take time to remember and acknowledge those who have given and continue to give so much to keep us safe.  Our freedom comes at great cost.  We should all be thankful and appreciative of that every day.  Let’s not forget to look after those who have looked after us.  Let’s always strive for a peaceful solution.
 
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WORSHIP THIS WEEK
8 November, 2015
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
 
        8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River      -   Holy Eucharist  
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist  
             4:30 pm        All Saints’, Canaan              -   Holy Eucharist        
                                   
    Readings: Ruth 3: 1-5, 4:13-17;, Psalm 127; Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12: 38-44
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is still looking for empty 500ml  water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
 
PASTORAL COMMITTEE MEETING: Monday, 16 November at 10:00 am in the Tyler Grant Room.
 
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - on Monday, 16 November at 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
 
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads, dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,   Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 23 November in Tuck Hall. All welcome.
 
CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE - Available now at the Parish Centre!   Small - $9 Large - $18.  For information please call St. Stephen’s Parish Office at 902-275-3804.
 
CANADIAN CHURCH CALENDAR 2016 - there are still some calendars available. $6 each.  Please contact Joyce Hiltz or leave a message at the parish office 902-275-3804
 
PRAYER BREAKFAST - At 9:00 am in Tuck Hall, St. Stephen’s Parish Centre in Chester on the last Saturday of each month except December.  All welcome.                       
 
MISSION TO SEAFARERS ANNUAL SHOEBOX CAMPAIGN - The Mission ensures that each and every seafarer (male and female) visiting the port of Halifax in December receives a shoebox gift.  Last year 1800 were delivered. These visitors are far from home, have limited or no funds and are often without the most basic of needs.  Shoebox items can include: hat, scarf, gloves or mitts, socks, wrapped hard candy (no chocolate), soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, shaving foam, razors, deodorant, lip balm, playing cards, memento of Nova Scotia or Canada.  A few empty boxes are available in the church vestibule if you do not have one.  The Dollar Store has boxes. Please do not wrap the boxes as they must all be checked prior to delivery.  Please bring filled boxes to the church before 1 December, when delivery begins.
 
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Message from Rev. Tory: Thank you to all who helped with Messy Church
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 9 Nov, 
from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
BIBLE TALK - Not on Remembrance Day -
The next meeting will be on Wed, 19 Nov, from 10:30 - 12:00 pm 
 in the Tyler Grant Room
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 12 Nov, 7:00 pm in St. Stephen’s Church.
   
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
 
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
11 November 2015
To be held in St. Stephen’s Church, Chester
immediately after the Remembrance Day ceremony
at the Cenotaph in Chester Parade Square
 
WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY
15 November, 2015
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
 
       8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River       -   Holy Eucharist  
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist   
                                   
    Readings: 1 Samuel 1: 4-20; Canticle 1 Samuel 2: 1-10;
Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25;
Mark 13: 1-8
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 
 

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Thursday, 29 October 2015

 
Welcome to the St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 1 November 2015
(All Saints’ Day).  
Remember to turn your clock back on Saturday after all the Trick or Treaters have gone home.
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
1 November, 2015
All Saints’ Day
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
 
  8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Communion 
            11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Baptism & Eucharist
   4:00 pm        Tuck Hall, Chester              -   Messy Church        
                                   
    Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24; Revelations 21: 1-6a;
John 11: 32-44
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
WELCOME – On Sunday, 1 November, St. Stephen’s Parish welcomes Seanna Shirley Marie Petley, daughter of Candace and Michael,
 into the family of God through the waters of Holy Baptism.
 
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is still looking for empty 500ml  water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
 
PASTORAL COMMITTEE MEETING: Monday, 16 November at 10:00 am in the Tyler Grant Room
 
PARISH COUNCIL  MEETING - on Monday, 16 November at 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
 
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads, dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,  
Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 23 November in Tuck Hall. All welcome.
 
CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE - To order your plum puddings, please complete the order sheets at the Parish Centre or in St. Stephen’s Church as soon as possible.  Small - $9 Large - $18.  Ready late November or early December.
For more information please call St. Stephen’s Parish Office at 902-275-3804.
 
CANADIAN CHURCH CALENDAR 2016 - there are still some calendars available. $6 each.  Please contact Joyce Hiltz or leave a message at the parish office 902-275-3804
 
PRAYER BREAKFAST - At 9:00 am in Tuck Hall, St. Stephen’s Parish Centre in Chester on the last Saturday of each month except December.     
 
LENTEN LUNCH SPEAKERS - The Pastoral Committee is looking for suggestions for topics and speakers for the Lenten Lunch program.  If you have any ideas please sent an email or note to Cindy in the Parish Office.                   
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
ANGLICAN LAY READER COURSE - cancelled for Halloween.  Next class on Sunday, 8 Nov, 7:00-9:00 pm . The topic - Church History. All Welcome
MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 2 Nov, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm in St. Stephen’s Church.
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 4 Nov, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 5 Nov, 7:00 pm in St. Stephen’s Church.
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
8 November, 2015
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
 
       8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River       -   Holy Eucharist
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist
       4:30 pm        All Saints’, Canaan       -   Holy Eucharist
                                   
    Readings: Ruth 3: 1-5, 4:13-17;, Psalm 127; Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12: 38-44
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 
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Friday, 23 October 2015

 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for
Sunday, 25 October, 2015. 
   Have a wonderful weekend.
 
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WORSHIP THIS WEEK
25 October, 2015
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
 
         8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion 
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River      -   Prayer & Praise 
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist   
                    4:30 pm       All Saint’s, Canaan               -  Evening Prayers            
                                  
    Readings: Job 42: 1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34: 1-8, (19-22); Hebrews 7: 23-28;
Mark 10: 46-52
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
COLCANNON SUPPER – at St. John’s Anglican Church in Chester Basin from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.  All welcome.
 
WELCOME TO THE MEN’S CHOIR - This Sunday in St. Stephen’s Church at 11:00 am, we are blessed with a visit from the Men’s Choir which has been joining us on and off for about 20 years.
 
AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND SONG - at 7:00 pm, Sunday 25 October in St. Barnabus Church, Blandford.  All welcome.  Contributions go to St Barnabus.
 
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is still looking for empty 500ml  water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations. 
Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre. 
DINNER THEATRE - “On The Air” - Saturday, 24 October at the Little Red School in Canaan.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm.  Dinner served will be salad, roast beef and dessert.  Tickets $25.00.  To book tickets, please contact Maxine at 902-275-3496 or 902-275-3777.  Book soon - tickets go quickly!
 
ORDINATION - Nicholas Hatt will be ordained as a deacon by Bishop Ron Cutler on Wed, 28 October at 7:00 pm in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Martello St., Halifax.  All are welcome to attend, and your prayers for Nicholas would be very much appreciated.
 
CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY - at 2:00 pm on Sunday, 25 Oct at the East River Village Hall.  There will be games, treats, crafts, costume parade and all kind of fun.  Donation jar at the door.  All Welcome (any age) for info call 902-275-5720.
 
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads,dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,   Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 23 November in Tuck Hall. All welcome.                                   
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
ANGLICAN LAYREADER COURSE - at 1:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, 25 Oct this week’s topic - Anglican Doctrine.  All Welcome
MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 26 Oct, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE: meeting on Tuesday, 27 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tyler Grant Room.
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 28 Oct, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 29 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
MESSY CHURCH - on 1 Nov, 4:00 pm in Tuck Hall.  All welcome!
   
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
1 November, 2015
All Saints’ Day
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
 
8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Communion
           11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Baptism & Eucharist
4:00 pm        Tuck Hall, Chester              -   Messy Church    
                                   
   Readings: Isaiah 25: 6-9, Psalm 24; Revelations 21: 1-6a;
John 11: 32-44
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
 
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift.
We ask you to guide us in our time of transition.
Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector,
that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish.
Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth.
Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service.
Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit,
nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit.
Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope,
that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
 
 
 
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Thursday, 15 October 2015

 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for  Sunday, 18 October 2015. 
Just a reminder that in the Tyler Grant Room at the Parish Centre from 7:00-9:00 pm on Saturday, 17 October, the topic for our Learning About Our Anglican Worship program is 
“ Bible Basics – what it is, how to read it, how to share it”. Everyone is welcome . 
We hope to see all of you at the farewell party for Reverend Gordon and Donna on Sunday afternoon in Tuck Hall. The tea will be strong and the tales will be tall. 
 
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WORSHIP THIS WEEK
18 October, 2015
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
 
8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
   9:00 am        St. George’s, East River      -   Holy Eucharist       
            11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist                  
                                   
    Readings: Job 38: 1-7; Psalm 104: 1-9, 25, 37b; Hebrews 5: 1 - 10;
Mark 10: 35-45
 
Image result for the son of man not to be served but to serve
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm from 19 Oct. 2015.
TUCK  HALL IN THE PARISH CENTRE CHESTER - is being used as a Polling Station on Mon, 19 October for the federal election.
FOOD BANK  - We don’t need a special day to give to the Food Bank- please give generously whenever you can.
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is working to help raise funds for PWRDF.  The committee is looking for small empty water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
RETIREMENT PARTY FOR REVEREND GORDON AND DONNA - will be held today ,Sunday, 18 October from 3:00 - 5:00 pm in Tuck Hall.  Please join us to say farewell to the Druggetts and to wish them all the best for their retirement.
DINNER THEATRE - “On The Air” - Saturday, 24 October at the Little Red School in Canaan.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm.  Dinner served will be salad, roast beef and dessert.  Tickets $25.00.  To book tickets, please contact Maxine at 902-275-3496 or 902-275-3777.  Book soon - tickets go quickly!
ORDINATION - Nicholas Hatt will be ordained as a deacon by Bishop Ron Cutler on Wed, 28 October at 7:00 pm in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Martello St., Halifax.  All are welcome to attend, and your prayers for Nicholas would be very much appreciated.
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - Voting of the four congregations last week was all positive and the Refugee Committee met on 13 Oct.  A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 2 November in Tuck Hall on how you can support the effort.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads,dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,   Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
                
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
MUSICAL FRIENDS - due to the Election, all groups will be using St. Stephen’s Church on Mon, 19 Oct, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
PARISH COUNCIL - Tuesday, 20 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 21 Oct, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 22 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
DINNER THEATRE -  “On The Air” – Roast Beef Dinner and entertainment, Saturday, 24 October in Canaan.
LEARNING ABOUT OUR ANGLICAN WORSHIP –  1:00 – 3:00 pm, Sunday, 25 Oct  (Anglican Doctrine) in the Tyler Grant Room
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
25 October, 2015
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
 
    8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
     9:00 am        St. George’s, East River    -   Prayer & Praise
           11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist
4:30 pm       All Saints’ and Canaan Baptist Church         -  Joint service in the Hall.
                                   
    Readings: Job 42: 1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34: 1-8, (19-22); Hebrews 7: 23-28;
Mark 10: 46-52
 
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
 
We believe that the earth is the Lord’s
And All that lives on it;
We believe that living gratefully
and giving generously are marks of faith;
We believe that all of humanity should have access to
the Earth’s resources, and
Every individual must now act to preserve this world
so that the children of tomorrow
may not be burdened with the mistakes of today
And so we commit ourselves empowered by the Holy Spirit,
To think globally,
To trade fairly,
To live responsibly,
To give gratefully,
To love this world as God loves it,
who, in Christ, became part of creation.
Amen.
 
 
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Wednesday, 14 October 2015

AN INVITATION TO THE PARISHIONERS  AND FRIENDS OF
ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH 
                                                                                           
 
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
TO COME SHARE SOME TEA AND TASTIES 
WHEN WE GATHER TO WISH
REVEREND GORDON AND DONNA DRUGGETT
A FOND FAREWELL AND LOTS OF GOOD WISHES
AS THEY EMBARK ON THEIR
RETIREMENT
 
WHERE: ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH CENTRE, CHESTER
 
WHEN: SUNDAY,  18TH OCTOBER FROM 3:00 – 5:00 PM
 
 
BRING ALONG TALES TO SHARE – ALL WELCOME (MUMMERS INCLUDED)